Published: 5 September 2024 | Updated: 13 February 2025 | By: Newcastle University | 5 min read
Explore the support available to help address any worries you may have!
In our pre-arrival course for new students, we asked about your concerns starting university. It’s natural to feel a bit apprehensive as you begin this journey, but remember, you’re not alone.
We’ve highlighted the most common concerns and provided information on some of the support and opportunities available to help alleviate your worries!
Worried about money and budgeting?
Managing your finances as a student can feel daunting. Setting a budget is a great way to plan how much money you have coming in while taking control of what’s going out. Paying the bills is the priority, but keeping money aside for fun is also important. Learning to manage your money gives you the balance you need while you’re a student, but you’ll also be learning a skill for life.
Money Matters course
Our online money management course, available on Canvas, is designed for UK undergraduate students. It may be useful to complete before you arrive or during your first few weeks. The course takes approximately an hour to complete but you can go through the modules at your own pace and don’t need to finish it all at once!
There are five modules:
- How am I going to manage? The basics of income and expenditure
- Budgeting
- Staying safe from fraud
- Money and your wellbeing
- Supermarket shopping and healthy eating habits
International students can find useful information about money management as an international student through the British Council.
Budgeting apps
There are several budgeting apps available which may be useful:
- Blackbullion Money Manager
- Emma
- Recommendations from Save the Student
Please note that there are free and paid versions of many apps and it is always recommended to ensure that the app is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority.
One-to-one budgeting sessions
Our Student Finance Advisers can help with your budget. You can:
- Discuss your current budget and how to improve it
- Chat about how to set up a long-term budget
- Talk about what might be going wrong if you can’t stick to a budget
- Set up a brand new budget from scratch with us
Please contact the team for a one-to-one budgeting session.
LibbyApp – Student Life collection
The LibbyApp is a fantastic resource that gives students access to magazines, audiobooks and e-books that are not available through our other suppliers! There’s a ‘Student Life’ collection of books and magazines with tips for student living, including cost effective recipes and budgeting tips.
Cost of Living Hub
Visit our Cost of Living Hub to find out about the support and resources available that may help you with the cost of living.
Leyla’s '5 tips to budget your way through uni'
Check out some top tips for budgeting whilst at university from Leyla, our Student Content Creator.
Tips from other students
“The little spends each day stack up very quickly. Try to plan your weekly meals as to not overspend and create unnecessary food waste during your weekly shop!”
“I would recommend investing in some student cookbooks or seeing if you can find any budget recipes online.”
“Don’t forget to budget for deposits for future house rentals.”
“I usually walk in but I also have a Metro pop card in case I need it and load it up whenever it runs out.”
“I also spend a considerable amount on disability related equipment to help me study but I did not know until afterwards that the Student Health and Wellbeing service can potentially help cover some of these costs if you aren’t DSA/PIP eligible for visa reasons.”
Worried about living independently?
Moving to university can be a huge step for many students and there may be new experiences living on your own which you haven’t experienced before! It’s a great opportunity to learn some new life skills and thrive living independently!
Staying safe
As a new student on campus, it's important for you to know that the University's Security Team is on hand ensuring your safety. They are always just a call away, ready to assist with any concerns.
Additionally, the SafeZone app is a fantastic resource for students. It's a quick and easy way to connect with the University's Security Team, whether you're in need of immediate help or just want to check in. The app allows you to summon assistance directly to your location on campus, and in certain areas of the city, ensuring that help is never far away.
Remember, your safety is the University's top priority, and these measures are in place to give you peace of mind so you can focus on your studies and enjoy your time at Newcastle University.
ResLife hacks
Check out the practical life skills delivered through TikTok @ReslifeNCL on topics such as healthy living, finance and budgeting, safety and security, how to use your home amenities, how to get along with your flatmates and more.
Health Fair
From Monday 9 to Friday 20 September, the Student Health and Wellbeing Services will host their annual Health Fair, open daily from 9:30 – 16:30.
• 9-17 September: Join us to register with a local doctor and learn about internal and external support services. Our wellbeing teams will be available to answer any queries you may have.
• 18-20 September: Attend drug and alcohol harm reduction drop-in sessions for advice and guidance.
Peer Mentor
Peer Mentoring is a 'buddy scheme' for new undergraduate students. The aim of Peer Mentoring is to enable all students to make a smooth transition to their programme of study and integrate successfully into University life.
Your Peer Mentor will be able to answer questions that only a fellow student would know the answers to, sharing their opinions on their academic and student experience and what to expect. They are a non-academic point of contact that you can talk to, who can provide support and reassurance with any student-based issues and relieve any anxieties that you may have. They will share information about Newcastle and give you advice on the best places to go to.
ResLife – Passport to Independent Living event
Students who reside in our University-owned accommodation are invited to our Passport to Independent Living event on Tuesday 17 September, 10:00-16:00 across Park View Student Village Boulevard.
Here you will meet your accommodation team, who will equip you with everything you need to live independently, and most importantly it’s an opportunity to make new friends. Attendance at this event is strongly encouraged to ensure you’re prepared to thrive whilst you live with us. There will be plenty of freebies and competitions to get involved in, so make sure you don't miss out!
Worried about making friends or fitting in?
Understandably, making friends is one of the biggest worries for new students! It’s an exciting time change but everything and everyone being new can be quite daunting. Starting university is a great opportunity to meet other students, share your experience with like-minded people and build new friendships. Check out some of the ways you can get involved and get to know people!
Freshers 2024
Kickstart your university journey with unforgettable events with Freshers 2024. Grab yourself some free and heavily discounted events to fill your calendar and meet new people at activities such as escape rooms, axe throwing, bubble football and food socials!
Clubs and Societies Fair – 17 and 18 September 2024
Joining a club or society is a great way to meet new like-minded friends and the Students’ Union has hundreds to choose from.
At the Clubs and Societies Fair, you will find members from the majority of the 65 clubs and 200 societies, ready and willing to answer any question you may have about joining, cost, socials, training and more! It’s the perfect opportunity to see what is on offer and mingle with those already involved. From Archery to Zumba, there really is something for everyone.
Give It A Go activities
Get involved in free or discounted activities, taster sessions and trips through the Give It A Go programme. Activities in September include campus and city tours, social sport, games and a quiz night but they take place all year round!
There are also trips further afield throughout the year with tour partners, Lundgren Tours, including the Lake District and Edinburgh. Keep an eye out on the Students’ Union’s events calendar.
Sport and Fitness free trial
From Monday 16 September until Monday 30 September, you can enjoy free access to our Sport and Fitness facilities for free! Whether you’re a gym-goer or like to make friends in fitness classes, visit the Sport and Fitness Centre to learn more.
Peer Mentor
For new undergraduate students, your Peer Mentor will provide you with the opportunity to meet your fellow mentees and other students on your degree programme!
International Welcome
If you’re an international student, join the formal welcome reception and social during International Welcome. Taking place in the Frederick Douglass Centre on Friday 13 September, 14:00, you will be welcomed to our University and city followed by free food, games and opportunities to meet new friends.
ResLife
ResLife supports all of our students within University-owned and managed partnership accommodation. From social events to life skills workshops, ResLife has something for everyone. They are here to build a sense of belonging and community through an organised events programme running 6 days/week. Activities include arts and crafts, book clubs, foosball, movie nights and more!